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2015 1.2 vs 2016 M3

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sartorial23

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 22, 2013
16
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I have done quite a bit of searching around these parts for this answer but haven't found anything definitive. I'm currently using the 2012 i5 rMBP and am going to give that to my wife to replace her old MBA. On a new machine I will run Boot Camp for work tasks on the Windows side (nothing intense maybe some spreadsheet work and using our accounting system) and mostly use the macOS for media consumption, emails, and web surfing. The question:

Deals are about the same price for the 2015 1.2 as they are for the 2016 M3. I don't think the extra storage is necessary but it's an added bonus. Performance wise for my usage, is there any difference between these two? Any benefit by forgoing the storage in the 2015 for the new processor in the 2016? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
The SSD speeds are ridiculously faster in the 2016 version. Also, check the m5 version for pricing, that is a much better deal with a lot more headroom for current apps as well as at least two OS revisions, I would surmise.
 
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macintoshmac said:
The SSD speeds are ridiculously faster in the 2016 version. Also, check the m5 version for pricing, that is a much better deal with a lot more headroom for current apps as well as at least two OS revisions, I would surmise.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response. I typically try to keep my laptops in the $1200 range since I'm not a power user at all. M5's are coming in at $1500 with current discounting but I'll keep an eye out over Black Friday.
 
Do that, because for not very much higher, you are getting a MUCH more balanced CPU in the m5 version. Plus, additional 256GB won't hurt. But essentially it is for the CPU. m3 vs m5 is a pretty good upgrade. And go for the newer 2016 only.
 
choose either 1.2 or m3, get a 2015 1.2 because you have more space, however battery life on 2015 will lower that m3.

Get m5 if you have more budget.
 
I got the m3 and regret it. I thought that it would perfectly complement my 15'' macbook pro.
Honestly there is such a difference even when just browsing the web between these 2 machines that I really regret not buying the m5. And I do it more because the form factor is just nice and I reach more and more for the macbook. So if your budget allows it buy the m5.
 
I have the m3 and don't regret it. Everything I've done to date is faster than MBP 15" (2011 Model) I've even made a 5 min video and didn't see any lag. I haven't ripped a DVD, that would blow my fans for an hour on the MBP but even Xcode has been faster on the rMB even with m3.
 
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Thanks for the replies thus far, I was using a 2012 base model rMBP but still have it in case the M3 is just too slow (which I highly doubt). I'm leaning that way but any other input would be great!
 
Thermal throttling on the 2016 is way better than the 2015. I would get the m7 or m5 (they are great updates compared to the m3) refurbished apple store is selling them 17% off.
 
Bumping this up as a few things have changed. I test drove the M3 for the weekend and it just wasn't for me. I'm now leaning towards the nTB MBP but my wife got new computer envy and wants a Macbook. Her usage is much less than mine, no BootCamp, Office, or accounting programs. She really just uses it as an email, internet, and media device. Thoughts on either:

2015 1.3 or 2016 M3. Prices are $1199 vs $1149 respectively so price isn't an issue. Just curious if anyone has an opinion which of these would be better for light, personal use.

Thanks again!
 
I'm still voting for the 2016 variant. Its a second generation device so many bugs were ironed out plus your wife will have better battery life.
 
2015 1.1 M5 Geekbench 4302
2015 1.2 M5 Geekbench 4990
2015 1.3 M7 Geekbench 5114

2016 1.1 M3 Geekbench 5097
2016 1.2 M5 Geekbench 5757
2016 1.3 M7 Geekbench 6414

Pretty large jump in performance. The 2015's were the first generation of M series cpu chips.
 
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